About Rita (west)

FRIGHTENED GERMAN SHEPHERD NEEDS A QUIET HOME. Hi, my name is RITA - ID#A4295788. I am a female, black and tan German Shepherd Dog mix. The shelter staff think I am about 3 years old, and I have been at the shelter since Aug 02, 2019. Rita is a shy 3 year old German shepherd that staff and volunteers are working with to get her to come out of her shell. She came up for hotdogs and let me pet her for a minute. She is very pretty with the floppy ear, and she is playful. She play 'bowed' and wanted to play. Rita needs a very quiet, patient loving home that will help her to come out of her shell. No young kids please. She will come to the front of kennel if you kneel down, and have a hotdog; then she will even come up to you. She has come a long way in a short period of time. The shelter is a loud, scary environment, and many sensitive dogs are not used to that, especially if they have been free to roam the streets. Here are some notes showing how Rita has progressed: 8/7/2019: Closed to the outside; fearful and urinating when handler approached. Wary and leash avoidant. Ate treats when handler walked away. 8/9/2019: Lying down; soft body. Not interested in treats. Nervous and backing away when leash was presented; began baring teeth and snapping with continued attempts to leash. 8/19/2019: Moved to I building. Walked on leash but reluctant. 8/20/2019: Walked out to play yard without leash. Very affiliative. With a little more time and patience, Rita will become a wonderful family member. Unfortunately, the shelter is full, and room is needed for new incoming dogs, so Rita is becoming at risk for euthanasia. Please consider Rita for your next furry family member. 'URGENT' If you have no breed restrictions, please call ASAP = 520-800-4633

Maricopa County
Phoenix, Arizona 85009